Information on Katrina Relief Agencies

[Guest guest]

Just FYI..from the web...info about the listed aide agencies for

Hurrican Katrina relief...

 

Those Requesting Money

 

The Second Harvest National Network of Food Banks collects,

transports, warehouses, and distributes donated food and grocery

products for other agencies involved in both feeding operations and

the distribution of relief supplies through its national network of

food banks. Second Harvest also processes food products collected in

food drives by communities wishing to help another disaster-affected

community. Second Harvest develops, certifies, and supports their

food banks; serves as a liaison between the food banks and the

donors; and educates the public about the problems and solutions of

hunger.

 

The American Red Cross is required by Congressional charter to

undertake disaster relief activities to ease the suffering caused by

a disaster. Emergency assistance includes fixed/mobile feeding

stations, shelter, cleaning supplies, comfort kits, first aid, blood

and blood products, food, clothing, emergency transportation, rent,

home repairs, household items, and medical supplies. Additional

assistance for long-term recovery may be provided when other relief

assistance and/or personal resources are not adequate to meet

disaster-caused needs. The American Red Cross provides referrals to

the government and other agencies providing disaster assistance.

 

Operation Blessing has been around since 1978. Their website says

that their mission is is to demonstrate God's love by alleviating

human need and suffering in the United States and around the world.

In efforts to relieve human suffering we combat hunger, deprivation

and physical affliction with the provision of food, clothing,

shelter, medical care and other basic necessities of life. We also

help facilitate the development of healthy, vibrant and self-

sustaining communities by addressing larger issues of education,

food security, potable water, employment, community health, and

disaster mitigation projects. In every endeavor, OBI seeks to

exemplify Christian compassion and benevolence while conforming to

the highest standards of integrity. They website says that they are

committed to providing short-term relief and development assistance

to economically disadvantaged people and victims of disaster

throughout the world. In the United States, Operation Blessing

International focuses on providing food, clothing and other material

assistance to inner-city and rural families facing financial

hardship.

 

 

 

Those Seeking Volunteers and Donations

 

The Adventist Community Services (ACS) receives, processes, and

distributes clothing, bedding, and food products. in major

disasters, the agency brings in mobile distribution units filled

with bedding and packaged clothing that is pre-sorted according to

size, age, and gender. ACS also provides emergency food and

counseling and participates in the cooperative disaster child care

program.

 

The Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) has the

overall aim of assisting churches in the disaster-affected community

to respond to the needs of persons within that community. CRWRC

provides advocacy services to assist disaster victims in finding

permanent, long-term solutions to their disaster-related problems,

as well as housing repair and construction, needs assessment, clean-

up, child care, and other recovery services.

 

*The Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) provides for immediate

disaster response, in both natural and technological disasters, long-

term rebuilding efforts, and support for preparedness planning

through synods, districts, and social ministry organizations. The

disasters to which LDR responds are those in which needs outstrip

available local resources. LDR provides for the coordination of

6,000 volunteers annually. In addition, LDR provides crisis

counseling, support groups, mental health assistance, and pastoral

care through its accredited social service agencies. Mennonite

Disaster Services assists disaster victims by providing volunteer

personnel to clean up and remove debris from damaged and destroyed

homes and personal property and to repair or rebuild homes. Special

emphasis is placed on assisting those less able to help themselves,

such as the elderly and handicapped

 

*The Nazarene Disaster Response provides clean-up and rebuilding

assistance, especially to the elderly, disabled, widowed, and those

least able to help themselves. In addition, a National Crisis

Counseling Coordinator works into the recovery phase by assisting

with the emotional needs of disaster victims.

 

The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance works primarily through Church

World Service in providing volunteers to serve as disaster

consultants and funding for local recovery projects that meet

certain guidelines. This agency also provides trained volunteers who

participate in the Cooperative Disaster Child Care program. On a

local level, many Presbyterians provide volunteer labor and material

assistance.

 

The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance including mass and

mobile feeding, temporary shelter, counseling, missing person

services, medical assistance, and distribution of donated goods

including food, clothing, and household items. It also provides

referrals to government and private agencies for special services.

 

The Southern Baptist Disaster Relief provides more than 200 mobile

feeding units staffed by volunteers who can prepare and distribute

thousands of meals a day. Active in providing disaster childcare,

the agency has several mobile childcare units. Southern Baptists

also assist with clean-up activities, temporary repairs,

reconstruction, counseling, and bilingual services.

 

The United Methodist Committee on Relief provides funding for local

units in response and recovery projects based on the needs of each

situation. This agency also provides spiritual and emotional care to

disaster victims and long-term care of children impacted by

disaster.

 

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I have no idea how fiscally responsible these organizations are, as

in how great a percentage goes to salaries and how much to direct

aid. Most of them have been around for quite some time.

 

Aikya